Annual Salvation Army Campaign Aims to Provide 5,000 Backpacks and School Supplies to Kids in Need

RICHMOND, BC, July 19, 2013 /CNW/ - Over 5,000 kids in need will receive a backpack full of supplies to start off the school year thanks to the hard work of the Salvation Army and support of partners like the BC Chiropractic Association (BCCA), Staples, Fitness Town and Starbucks.  The Salvation Army's annual Backpack and School Supply Drive kicks off this week and runs through September 11.

During the summer months, the non-profit collects donated supplies and monetary contributions to put towards thousands of backpacks stuffed with school supplies for elementary students.  Families throughout the province who can't afford all of the necessities for school have the opportunity to receive support through this Salvation Army program.

Drop off your donation of new school supplies such as pencils, binders and felts to any BC Fitness Town store or participating Starbucks locations.   Cash donations can be made at Staples stores in the Lower Mainland.  Individuals can also text "GIVEBC" to 45678 to make a $5 donation directly to the Salvation Army.

The program started simply 17 years ago when the Salvation Army's Vancouver Family Services centre began handing out school supplies in plastic bags to their clients.  Since the addition of several local partners, the campaign has more than doubled in size, from 2,000 to over 5,000 backpacks.  This growth ensured that support was accessible to communities outside of Metro Vancouver including Vancouver Island, the Okanagan and Northern BC.  The reach goes even further with the Newfoundland and Labrador Chiropractic Association and Newfoundland Salvation Army working to secure backpacks and supplies for children in their province.

The BCCA and the Salvation Army are looking forward to another successful year with the program. "What a pleasure it is for us to partner with and have the support of the BC Chiropractic Association" says Lt. Colonel Larry Martin, Divisional Commander for the Salvation Army BC Division.  "Without organizations like the BCCA who believe in the work we do and our local communities, these types of important initiatives would not be possible.  It's encouraging to know so many young kids will be heading back to school with a quality backpack and supplies needed to have a successful school year."

Not only does the Salvation Army's Backpack and School Supply Drive provide a much-needed boost for children to succeed in the classroom, it also serves as an opportunity to educate students about backpack safety and spine health. "Pack it Light, Wear it Right" backpack safety information is included in all of the bags so that each child can use their new backpack correctly.  This safety program promoted by BC's chiropractic doctors reminds children and parents what to look for in a backpack and how to pack it properly.

With BC identified as one of the most unaffordable places to live, the need for this kind of support is quickly growing.  Through the continued efforts and dedication of the community, local sponsors and the Salvation Army, more children will have the opportunity to get an education and reach their full potential.

The British Columbia Chiropractic Association (BCCA) is the voluntary professional organization that represents B.C.'s chiropractic doctors on matters including health policy, public information, and liaison with health authorities.

SOURCE: British Columbia Chiropractic Association

For further information:

Media Contact:
Dr. Don Nixdorf
Executive Director, BCCA
[e-mail]
604-270-1332